Question 1

What is eSIM?

Accepted Answer

An eSIM is a SIM card built into your device. It works exactly like a physical SIM but is installed from a QR code or an LPA link — no plastic card to insert.

Question 2

What is Arcline eSIM and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Arcline is a single global eSIM with a USD balance that connects to local partner networks in 190+ countries. You install it once, top up your balance, and use mobile data wherever you are — no roaming, no fixed plans.

Question 3

How is Arcline different from typical travel eSIMs?

Accepted Answer

Most travel eSIMs sell fixed packages tied to one country or region with an expiry date. Arcline is one eSIM, one balance, and pay-as-you-go pricing in 190+ countries — pay only for what you actually use.

Question 4

eSIM validity, balance, and packages

Accepted Answer

The eSIM doesn't expire. The balance you top up stays on your account until you spend it, with no monthly fee. We have no fixed packages — billing is per gigabyte at each country's per-GB rate.

Question 5

Can I make calls, receive, and send SMS?

Accepted Answer

Arcline is a data-only service. For calls and SMS use your primary SIM or any internet-based messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime, iMessage).

Question 6

Can I use tethering / personal hotspot with Arcline eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tethering works on supported devices; usage is metered exactly the same as on the device itself.

Question 7

How do I buy an Arcline eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Pick a top-up amount on the home page or in your account, choose Card or Crypto, and pay. You get the QR and activation details by email and in My eSIMs.

Question 8

What payment methods are supported?

Accepted Answer

Visa and Mastercard via Stripe, USDT / BTC and other crypto via Cryptomus. Mir cards are not supported.

Question 9

Are there subscription fees or hidden charges?

Accepted Answer

No subscription, no hidden charges. You pay only for what you use; nothing is deducted from your balance without actual data consumption.

Question 10

How do I check and top up my balance? How are funds deducted?

Accepted Answer

Open My eSIMs to see the current balance and pick a top-up amount inline. Funds are deducted in real time as you use mobile data, at the per-GB rate of the country you're in. Top-ups of $50+ get a $1 bonus per $25 paid.

Question 11

What is IMSI?

Accepted Answer

IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) is the unique number that identifies your eSIM on mobile networks. It's printed on the eSIM card details and stays with the line through its lifetime.

Question 12

Where do I find my IMSI?

Accepted Answer

Open My eSIMs, tap the card — the IMSI is shown below the eSIM name. You can also find it on the device: iOS Settings → General → About; Android Settings → About phone → Status.

Question 13

Why should I save the IMSI?

Accepted Answer

If you ever lose access to email or the account, support can identify your eSIM by IMSI and restore the link to the balance. Keep it screenshotted somewhere safe.

Question 14

Does my device support eSIM? What are EID and MEID?

Accepted Answer

Most smartphones from 2018 onward support eSIM. The fastest check: dial *#06# on the keypad — if you see an EID (32-digit hex), your device supports eSIM. MEID is a legacy CDMA identifier and isn't required for eSIM.

Question 15

How do I install an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

After purchase open the install dialog in your account or email, then scan the QR with your phone or tap "Install on this device". On iOS 17.4+ and modern Android the link opens system settings directly.

Question 16

What do I need before installing? QR vs manual install

Accepted Answer

You need: a stable Wi-Fi or mobile connection, the eSIM activation QR, and your device unlocked from its carrier. If the QR doesn't scan, use manual install — copy the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the install dialog into the eSIM setup screen.

Question 17

I bought an eSIM but won't install right away — or I lost the install data

Accepted Answer

The activation QR and LPA code stay in your account indefinitely. You can install at any time later — installation itself doesn't consume balance. Just open My eSIMs and tap the install icon on the card to bring up the QR again.

Question 18

Can I use my main SIM together with Arcline eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most modern phones support Dual-SIM (one physical + one eSIM, or two eSIMs). Keep your primary SIM for calls and SMS, set Arcline as the data line, and enable data roaming on the Arcline line.

Question 19

How do I manually switch between local operators?

Accepted Answer

Arcline partners with several networks in many countries. Open your phone's network settings, switch operator selection from Automatic to Manual, and pick a partner from the list. The full operator list per country is shown in the pricing pop-over on the home page.

Question 20

How do I select a network manually on iPhone and Android?

Accepted Answer

iPhone: Settings → Cellular → choose the Arcline line → Network Selection → switch off Automatic → pick an operator from the scanned list. Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network operators → switch off Automatic → tap an operator.

Question 21

Will Arcline work for a trip across several countries? Do I need a new eSIM per country?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one eSIM is enough for 190+ countries. No need to buy or install anything new when crossing borders — the same eSIM and the same balance keep working.

Question 22

Can I use Arcline as a backup SIM? Just for internet and a number

Accepted Answer

Yes — many travelers keep Arcline installed as a permanent secondary line. The number isn't designed for incoming SMS or calls (data-only service), but the data connection works as a backup when your primary line has no signal or roaming.

Question 23

Can I use messengers, maps, ride-hailing, and social apps?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any data-driven app — WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Maps, Uber, Instagram, banking — works just like on your home network.

Question 24

How does the eSIM connect to a network? When to choose an operator manually?

Accepted Answer

By default the device picks a local partner automatically based on signal strength. Switch to manual if you notice the auto-selected operator has weak coverage or low data speeds in your specific location — picking another partner often fixes it.

Question 25

How do I avoid overspending and reduce data usage?

Accepted Answer

Turn off automatic video quality (set to 480p or lower for streaming), pause large app updates while abroad, disable background data for apps you don't use during the trip, and use Wi-Fi for big downloads (hotels, cafes).

Question 26

eSIM doesn't connect to the internet. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Check: (1) the Arcline line is set as the active data line, (2) data roaming is enabled for it, (3) airplane mode is off. Try toggling airplane mode for 5 seconds — usually that re-establishes the connection.

Question 27

eSIM didn't find a network automatically. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Open the operator selection screen on your device, switch from Automatic to Manual, and pick a partner from the list. The pricing pop-over on the home page shows the full list of partner operators per country.

Question 28

Installed the eSIM but no internet — is my main SIM interfering?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. On dual-SIM phones, mobile data uses one line at a time. Open Settings → Cellular / SIMs and set Arcline as the data line. Also make sure data roaming is enabled for the Arcline line specifically (not just globally).

Question 29

Why is my balance depleting faster than expected?

Accepted Answer

Heavy apps (video streaming, cloud sync, app updates, background uploads) can use a lot of data quickly. Open My eSIMs → 24h usage to see the current consumption rate. Background app refresh and auto-update settings are often the culprit.

Question 30

What if I don't want to install the eSIM right after purchase?

Accepted Answer

No problem — the activation QR and LPA code stay in your account permanently. The eSIM doesn't expire and installation doesn't consume balance. Install whenever you need it from My eSIMs.

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Compatible devices

Installation guide

Before you start:

Switching operators

BEFORE YOU START

FAQ & support

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